Newspapers / Elizabeth City State University … / Oct. 1, 2004, edition 1 / Page 8
Part of Elizabeth City State University Student Newspaper / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
PHgC 8 The Compass, Oct. 2004 Welcome to ECSU: make yourself at home By Toby Tate Editor-In-Chief First, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me to be the editor of the Compass, a job which I will not take lightly. Like any good reporter, I will put aside my own opinions and report the pertinent facts of all newsworthy items. That does not include, of course, editorials such as this. For many years, I attended a large, predominately white college in Virginia Beach, and I rarely, if ever, felt that the professors or the other students cared whether I lived or died. They barely knew I existed. But at ECSU, when I’m walking between classes, not a minute goes by that someone doesn’t say hello and ask how I’m doing, and that from people I usually don’t even know. I admit, I lived in Norfolk, Virginia for years and was used to ignoring and being ignored, so maybe it’s the small town atmosphere; but then again, maybe it’s something more. Maybe people here really do care and really do want to know how you are. There are anti-social people in every crowd, don’t get me wrong, and I know ECSU students and faculty aren’t perfect, but it’s a far cry from the big city attitude. To test my assertion, walk the halls at any major university some time and see how many people look you in the eye, let alone acknowledge your presence. When I first moved to Elizabeth City, I had to get used to people waving at me from their cars as I walked down the sidewalk, or waving at me from the sidewalk as I drove by in my car. My first response was always the same; “Who the heck was that?” I would ask myself. Then it began to dawn on me: they’re being friendly. Oh! What a concept. I get it now. They just want to say hello. The children, for the most part, seem to be better behaved in Elizabeth City than in the larger cities. using rare phrases such as “excuse me” and “thank you.” The first time I heard that, I looked at my wife and asked, “Did that kid say what I think he said?” Now, I’m used to it and even expect it, so when I go back to the big city. I’m liable to say something like “Didn’t your mother teach you any manners?” But I digress. Does the small town mentality have a positive effect on people who attend ECSU? It’s possible, because many of the students transfer here from metropolises like D.C. or Baltimore where manners are rare. Perhaps they feel relieved to be away from the pressures of city life, and the humanity that was capped off at the well can finally seep out. Also, many of the students are from right here in good old E.C., and they know what being a neighbor is all about. The professors and staff come from all over and are most assuredly affected by the camaraderie felt here at ECSU. Many of them have gone above and beyond to see that I not only get all that I need to make it through to graduation day, but that I will put forth my best effort to get the most out of my stay here. The bottom line: Elizabeth City State University makes me feel hke I belong. To all the new students, I would like to say “Welcome to ECSU. Make yourself at home.” The Door Is Always Open By Toby Tate Editor-In-Chief The first thing you are likely to notice about Larry Smith is his exuberant demeanor and his rapport with ECSU students. They obviously love him. Yet, he is modest and self-effacing, always willing to help and lend a friendly ear. But for Smith, an accounting major and 2003 graduate of ECSU, things weren’t always so good. “I started taking classes part-time in 1976, working fifty to sixty hours a week,” recalls Smith. “When my employer discovered I was going to college in the evening, they conveniently changed me to second shift. The good of the company outweighed the needs of the employee.” Many people would have been discouraged by this turn of events, but not Smith. “I didn’t mind it, because I was able to provide for the needs of the family.” This was in 1982, and the needs of the family were met on only $5.50 an hour. Smith tried his hand as a long-haul trucker, earning his UCL class A license. He often drove over fifty miles to his job, and then spent another twelve hours in a truck. He began to think there must be an easier way to earn a living, and eventually decided to go back to school. He credits his marriage with helping him discover who he is. “Until you find yourself,” said Smith, “you’re just floating. But when you’re married, it helps you find your focus.” Smith tried getting higher paying jobs, but was turned away. “It was never about experience, it was ‘You don’t have a degree.’” Mr. Larry Smith, Academic Advi- sor/Counselor for the Pharmaceu tical Sciences Program at ECSU He wound up selling real estate in 1984, obtaining his real estate license, a job he enjoyed and worked at through his last years of college. After graduating from ECSU, he took the job as an advisor/counselor for the Pharmaceutical Sciences program in January of 2004. “This has been a remarkable eight months as far as trying to relate to individual needs and help students reach their fullest potential,” Smith said. Periodically, throughout the interview, students poke their heads into Smith’s office to say hello. He greets them each by name and asks about their specific schedules and classes. The talk goes back and forth like banter between good friends. ■ “I really enjoy working with people, as opposed to sitting in a cubicle all day, crunching numbers,” Smith said, referring to his accounting degree. “Numbers stay the same, but people and their situations are constantly changing.” As if to prove the point. Smith helps a young physics major find a rental car, answers questions about the campus health care program, and makes sure she is registered to vote. “Life is full of surprises,” Smith said. “That’s the thing that makes this job interesting. I get to help shape the future.” You are what you wear: stylish obsessions of the young generation By Kimberly Lilly Staff Writer Baby Phat, Apple bottoms, Levi’s, Guess, Eckored, and Sean John, just to name a few, are clothing brands that students here at ECSU are wearing. For some, it does not matter what they wear when they sit in class for an hour to learn about mathematics or world literature, but for others what you put on in the morning can be the key asset to start off a good day. Essentially though, how people dress can be a form of self-expression. The clothes you wear define your personality in some sense, and they show your taste; but no matter what you wear, you want to be comfortable and still be dressed in the latest fashions. One of the major obsessions for women of this season is the crocheted poncho. Ponchos have been showing up in various materials and colors from pink to blue and even in yellow; and they’re in almost all ladies’ fashion stores. One of the reasons for the affection of this retro garment is that it isn’t so frrm fitting as recent fashion trends and it can be flattering on any body type. Another fashion obsession for females this season is the Selma diagonal skirts, Tamara Jagged skirts, and plaid and denim mini skirts, which come in all sizes, lengths and colors. To complete these stylish garments, ladies have been wearing Bridget trendy flat shoes, and Scii Chinese flats. Obsessions for men, on the other hand, have been stylish blazers and polo shirts; complete with designer jeans and, of course, fresh white Nike Air Force One sneakers. Also, the usual obsession for men of seemingly every season is the usual white tee shirts that can be worn at almost any occasion with almost anything. All in all, when it comes to hot fashion trends, it’s all about what works for you. Junior Kimberly Murphy said, “Sometimes I wear a nice stylish shirt with Baby Phat jeans, complete with Bridget’s flat dress shoes and I’m still dressed in the latest fashions, but at the same time. I’m comfortable. Many females think in order to be dressed in hot and trendy fashions, you have to wear heels like models seen on TV, but it’s all about what you like and how you want to feel when you go out. I dress the way I dress because it’s what works for me.” Choosing the latest and hottest fashions is not as hard as it may seem. The hottest fashions are the ones that compliment you in every way. Sigma Tau Delta’s central purpose is to confer distinction upon students of the English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies. Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.One of the largest members of the Association of College Honor Societies. Sigma Tau Delta has over 600 active chapters, more than 900 faculty sponsors, and inducts approximately 7,000 members annually. Our members have the opportunity to be recognized for their outstanding achievements, enrich their education, help them make career choices, and advance their careers. For more information, contact: Dr. Joseph Lisowski - 335-3753 or Toby Tate - 335-3711 or ecsucompass@yahoo.com website - http://www.engiish.org.
Elizabeth City State University Student Newspaper
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Oct. 1, 2004, edition 1
8
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75